The Sarajevo Film Festival commenced with a moving documentary capturing the unexpected bond formed between Sarajevo rockers and the famed Irish band U2 amidst the tumultuous siege of Sarajevo from 1992-1995. This year’s festival saw appearances from U2’s Bono and The Edge, elevating the star quotient.
Since its inception during the concluding phase of the Bosnian war by dedicated cinema lovers, the Sarajevo Film Festival has grown in prominence, now recognized as southeastern Europe’s premiere film event, presenting 235 films in its current edition.
The film “Kiss the Future”, a brainchild of Hollywood heavyweights Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, poignantly portrays the Sarajevo youth’s resilience, showcasing their quest to find solace from war’s atrocities through underground rock gigs at the Academy of Performing Arts.
U2’s involvement traces back to 1993 when, during their European tour, they were convinced by an aid worker to host live satellite interactions with Sarajevo. In 1997, commemorating the end of the Bosnian conflict, U2 held a monumental concert in Sarajevo, with Bono concluding by inspiring attendees to “Kiss the Future.”
The drama academy’s basement also functioned as a covert cinema during the war, screening films covertly brought into the city by international guests. To ensure safety from snipers, festival organizers ingeniously crafted an entrance through a hole in the wall.
Mirsad Purivatra, a visionary behind wartime cinema and the Sarajevo Film Festival, reflected on culture’s integral role during those dark times. He reminisced about attendees gathering in the basement for cultural pursuits and social interactions, ensuring they made it home before the enforced curfew.
Coinciding with the festival is an exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of the Apollo wartime cinema, featuring poignant images of movie buffs and subterranean concerts captured by photographer Milomir Kovacevic Strasni. Speaking to Reuters, Strasni emphasized the immeasurable value of these snapshots, terming them as “priceless memories from a defining era.”
As the curtains fall on this year’s Sarajevo Film Festival, it becomes evident that more than just a cinematic showcase; it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of Sarajevo. Through music, film, and unyielding determination, they transformed the harrowing memories of wartime into symbols of hope, resilience, and unity. This festival is not merely an event but a celebration of the enduring power of culture in the face of adversity.